Neal Frederick Braun, Seaman second class U.S. Naval Reserve, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Braun, was born in the Town of Reseburg on July 16, 1929. In early childhood he was dedicated to God in Holy Baptism. He was confirmed with the class of 1942 and received into full membership of Zion Church.

He enlisted in the navy on January 23,1945 and was called into service on February 13, 1945.He received his boot training at Great Lakes, Ill. and was assigned to the cruiser, INDIANAPOLIS, at San Francisco, Calif.

On his 18th birthday, July 16,1945, he shipped out for Guam and on the return trip from Guam to Leyte the INDIANAPOLIS was sunk. Neal was reported missing as of July 30, 1945, and his death confirmed by the Navy recently. Of a total crew of around 1400 men only 315 survived.